East Bay Nation of Men

Circles of Men Spring Event '08

There were 86 men who SHOW ED UP at the first annual COM Spring Event, Men from East Bay Nation of Men (EBNOM); South Bay NOM, Men's Division International (MDI); Dojo; Mankind Project; Circle Of Men; SF Men's Circle; and guests. Other circles that are connected to the Reachout Program but couldn't be represented due to short notice are The Tribe, Mobias, The Tribe Of Men, and Wetsu.

The purpose of the weekend was/is "...men from many circles will gather with great food, fire, nature, fun, wisdom, irreverence, and ritual to establish new relationships and renew and deepen old ones. An event where we can expand our tool box of life by learning what each other and other circles offer, and to impact our communities with joint action." All this happened, plus the bonus blessing of two of our highly respected elders/mentors/well diggers, Bob Grant (91 yrs. of experiences) and Henry Block (who did The Sterling Weekend '83) spending the entire day with us.

We played with child-like joy, we ate roasted pig like men do, we prayed, learned, shared our lives and our hearts, SUPPORTED those who asked for help, and we made our community site a little better. Each circle brought their unique qualities and generously gave them to the realization of this event that has been the dream of many. It was very obvious that each circle has some amazing men.

The stated purposes of these different men's groups are very similar in intent and goals. What came out of this joint event is the fact that so it was spoken, so it will be done. The intent and goals of men's groups around the country will be fullfilled with the unified efforts of men, teams, circles, families, and communities.

The CIRCLES OF MEN SPRING EVENT '09 will be led by Jorge Franco of Circle of Men, again at the Glen Andrew Community site, Santa Cruz Mtns, California.

Photo from Seward Community Library